Summary of DEIB 2024 Survey for the Alliance

Saturday September 28, 2024

In June, the Equity and Social Justice Committee launched the second annual DEIB survey for the RPCV Alliance for Ukraine.

The objectives of the survey were as follows:

  1. Understand the identities of our membership. 
  2. Identify how members engage in DEIB in their work. 
  3. Identify potential DEIB-related engagement opportunities for the Alliance based on member interest. 

The committee was impressed by the response rate. We had 62 members participate in the survey, up from 25 respondents in 2023.

Identities of Members

  • Racial Identity: Multiple racial identities are represented, and 83.9% of respondents identify as White/Caucasian
  • Gender Identity: 61.3 % of respondents identified as female; 33.9% of respondents identified as male; the remainder preferred not to answer
  • Sexual Identity/Sexual Orientation: 69.4% of the respondences identify as heterosexual. Additional respondents identified as either asexual, bisexual gay, fluid, pansexual, lesbian, or queer.
  • Religious Affiliation: Diverse religious affiliations, including Atheist, Christian, and others
  • Age: Our members have a range of ages.
  • Current Locations
    • Top US
      • Washington, DC – 5
      • Chicago, Illinois – 5
      • California – 5
    • By Region
      • Northeast: 9
      • Midwest: 10
      • South: 13
      • West: 13 
    • International
      • Ukraine – 5
      • Germany, India, Ireland, Philippines (1 each)

Engagement and Feedback

  1. Availability for Engagement:
    • Respondents have varying availability with the largest group preferred weeknights or weekends.
    • Many did not specify their availability (nearly half did not respond).
  2. Suggestions for Increasing Engagement:
    • A range of suggestions, including the need for certificates of volunteer work and better communication about virtual meetings.
    • Some respondents did not provide specific suggestions.
  3. Ideas for Supporting DEIB:
    • Responses vary, with some indicating uncertainty or providing no suggestions.
    • A few specific ideas are mentioned, though many responses to this question are blank.

Analysis

    1. Demographic Diversity:
      • The survey captures a diverse range of racial, gender, sexual, and religious identities, although certain groups are more represented than others.
      • There is a notable preference for privacy in some demographic questions, indicating potential sensitivity or discomfort in disclosing personal information.
    2. Engagement Preferences:
      • Respondents have differing preferences for engagement times, highlighting the need for flexible scheduling.
      • Practical suggestions like certificates and timely communication are valued for increasing engagement.

Analysis of Suggestions for Increasing Engagement

The suggestions provided by respondents for increasing their ability to engage with membership events vary widely, indicating diverse needs and preferences. Here are the key themes and specific suggestions:

  1. Timing and Scheduling:
    • Later PST start times: Adjusting event times to accommodate different time zones.
    • Not at noon on a Saturday: Avoiding specific times that might be inconvenient.
    • Offer a drop-in option: Flexibility in event timing to accommodate busy schedules.
  2. Notification and Communication:
    • Provide plenty of notice: Ensuring timely communication about upcoming events.
    • Multiple awareness platforms: Using various channels to inform members about events.
    • Direct links to register: Simplifying the registration process.
  3. Format and Accessibility:
    • Offer a drop-in option: Allowing members to join events at their convenience.
    • In-person events in specific areas: Hosting events in various locations, such as Chicago.
    • Virtual meetings: Continuing to offer virtual engagement opportunities.
  4. Recognition and Incentives:
    • Certificate of Volunteer Service: Providing certificates as a form of recognition and incentive.
  5. General Feedback:
    • None: Some respondents indicated no additional suggestions.
    • Not interested in events: A few respondents expressed a lack of interest in engagement events.

Summary of Key Suggestions

  • Flexibility in event timing and format is crucial to accommodate diverse schedules and preferences.
  • Effective communication and timely notifications are important to increase engagement.
  • Offering both virtual and in-person events can cater to different member needs.
  • Providing recognition through certificates or other incentives can motivate participation.
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